i am looking for either paper maps or downloadable maps of the Tahoe national forest that show sources of water. I have bought the forest service maps for the area but it doesn't show any water other than the major rivers/creeks. I have the Delorme topo program for the western states but it doesn't show water. I have spent hours looking online and the maps I have found of the area I currently hunt doesn't show the water hole in the area I currently hunt but they show two water sources that don't exist. I confirmed they don't exist after two long unnecessary hiking trips. I think my next step will be going to an outdoor sports store like REI to see what they have available. If anyone could point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated.

Trying to find water sources on anything, can sometimes be inconsistant at best. At least for me (& could be quite telling in itself. LOL) Also, there are many seeps and springs that are here today and gone tomorrow. So would be a physical impossibility for all water sources to show up at all times.

Anyway, while Google is obviously one excellent source, I do not have as much luck with it as many folks seem to. I am sure it is the nut behind the wheel (me), but some water sources on Google is just plain hard to tell / see that it is indeed water, & thus can be guess work.

The most reliable map, again, for me, are the old 7.5 minute paper topo maps. But they are expensive and do not cover a large area. However, I have found some real dandy, out of the way, water sources & hunting areas with these maps & a gps. For deer & quail mostly, with some of these areas being good for predators also of course.

Also, there are many seeps and springs that are here today and gone tomorrow. So would be a physical impossibility for all water sources to show up at all times.

You are 200% right on with that one. My favorite little 6" wide creek only runs in the winter time, but holds a million birds when it does. You would never know it in the summer though if it weren't for the greenery. Which is why getting out and eyeballing is still about the best way to find anything. A big patch of green in the midst of standard chaparral is a dead give away. So put on the hiking boots and start pumping the fuel if you want the only 100% method of finding water,

As far as my experience tells me, the USGS topographic maps are the best. The 7.5 minute series are the more recent and are 1:24000 scale which means 1 inch on the map equals 2000 feet on the ground, very detailed. The older 15 minute series is at 1:62500 scale which is about 1"=1 mile. Both series show streams, roads, trails, claims, mines, and a lot more. I have a large collection of these maps. Reading these messages has moved me to get in touch with Shooter John about putting them up for sale. I'm too old and crippled up to be wandering through the weeds with a map in my hands.